Dickens - Harris

Minister Thomas Sweeley officiated at the double-ring ceremony at Rosemary United Methodist Church.

Elbert Lee and Sabrina Stamey Harris of Goldsboro and Wayne Oscar Burton of Carolina Beach are parents of the bride. She is the granddaughter of the late Theodore and Thelma Stamey, the late Clara and William Harris and the late Leon Burton of Kernersville.

Parents of the groom are Vicky Isles Merritt and Samuel Patterson Dickens of Roanoke Rapids. He is the stepson of William Donald Merritt and Christine Davis Merritt. He is the grandson of Dolly and Calvin Anderson of Whitakers, the late Ned Jones and Mable Cullom Dickens, Pearl Francis Davis, the late Elbert Woodrow Davis and W.S. Merritt of Roanoke Rapids, the late Rachel Jones Merritt and the late Wilfred Elliot Isles.

Given in marriage by her family, the bride wore a white portrait neckline satin ballgown embellished with embroidery, pearls, sequins and silver accents. It had a cathedral-length train.

For her headpiece, she chose a tiara with rhinestones and pearls attached to a fingertip-length veil. She carried a bouquet of white lilies, white hydrangea and vogue roses.

Erica Alayne Burton, sister of the bride, was maid of honor. Suzanne Marie Anderson, friend of the couple, was matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Anita Joy Cherry, friend of the bride; Leigh Ann Harris Collins, sister of the bride; and Sarah Jones Dickens, Melissa Gail Merritt and Hope Merritt Switzer, sisters of the groom.

Samuel Patterson Dickens was his son’s best man. Ushers were Mitchell Lee Anderson, friend of the couple, and William Ashley Sparks, friend of the groom. Groomsmen were John Wayne Beaver II, Matthew Paige Merritt and Mark Christopher Gauley, friends of the groom; Eric Guy Collins, brother-in-law of the bride; James Howard Inscoe, cousin of the groom; and had Elliott Merritt

Kiersten Danielle Beach, niece of the groom, and Britnie Elisabeth Marie Collins, niece of the bride, were flower girls. William Henry Harris Collins, nephew of the bride, was ring bearer.

A program of wedding music was provided by Dwight Payne Berry, organist, and Denise Miller Hackenburg, vocalist.

After a wedding trip to Cancun, Mexico, the couple will reside in Wallace.

The bride is a 1995 honor graduate of Charles B. Aycock High School and a 2000 graduate of North Carolina State University with bachelor of science degree in animal science and biological business management. She is a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. She is employed as a chemist at Del Laboratories of Rocky Point.

The groom graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School in 1994 and North Carolina State University in 1999 with a bachelor of science degree in recreation and tourism management. He is a member of the North Carolina State University golf team. He is employed as an assistant golf professional at River Landing Country Club of Wallace.

A rehearsal dinner was hosted by Samuel and Christine Dickens at Chockoyotte Country Club in Weldon. The groom presented attendant gifts.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Chockoyotte Country Club of Weldon. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence George of Wilmington, friends of the couple, and Mr. and Mrs. David King of Roanoke Rapids, friends of the groom, greeted guests.

On Aug. 3, a dinner party was held at the home of Bev and Ann Paul of Wallace.

On Aug. 19, a guys’ golf outing was held at Chokoyotte Country Club.

An after rehearsal party was held Aug. 19 at Chokoyotte Country Club.

On Aug. 19, a bridesmaids’ luncheon was held at the home of Francis Bass in Littleton. The bride chose this time to present gifts to her attendants.

A sisters’ outing was held Aug. 13 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

On July 29, a guys’ golf outing was held at Raleigh Country Club.

Erica Burton and Leigh Ann Collins held a shower July 30 in Greensboro.

On July 23, a honey-do shower was held at Cottages at Bay Ridge Clubhouse of Atlantic Beach.

James “Jamie’ and Elizabeth Inscoe held a couple’s shower July 2 in Littleton.

Ladies of River Landing held a bridal shower June 1 at River Landing Country Club.

A dinner party was held July 27 at the home of Dan and JoEllen Fussell of Wallace.